Rajinder Rocks with Rawsom & Rock Ing Star |
| Ashwa Paarth appeared to be going strong. He prevailed in his debut, yet crucial 300m was still to be measured by him. He might have thought that nobody would challenge his supremacy. But a couple of reminders at quarter and a tap at the shoulder of Rock It between 400m and 300m, made all the difference in the next furlong. In fact, he had no reply when the latter started wearing him down inch by inch and leaving him in the lurch en route to wrap up the first million event of the season sponsored by the Sports Lifestyle group at the Delhi races on Tuesday. Cancellation of a couple of race days (including 2000 Guineas) saw tightly packed field in most of the competitions. There was slight drizzle in the morning, the mercury was down further and the sun was invisible almost throughout the day. It was also the "R" day, as jockey Rajinder and his three mounts named Rawsom, Rock It and Rocking Star turned out to be successful. Trainer Alim Khan, who has been trying to regain his championship title, was able to earn a treble to narrow the gap with the ongoing leader Magan Singh. Two (Rawsom and Rock Ing Star) of the treble of the professionals came on the horses belonging to Rajesh Sahgal and Sultan Singh. Working with the two top-notched stablemate horses, Successor and Rocking Star, bore fruits for Rock It. Reading the pace of Ashwa Paarth over the six furlongs event, Rajinder might have had a line of anxiety on his face when the gap of the two widened at the top of the homestretch, but the wise reinman showed his power of acceleration after goading the horsem thrice to dominate the last furlong. "I had a little doubt about his distance on his debut but with the time going by he improved by leaps and bounds. He took the challenge of carrying the hope of the stable", Alim Khan, trainer of Rock It, said. "I have a good string of horses but they are in growth or facing some other problems. Since he came to hands early, he lived up to expectations," he said. "The longer he runs, he will become better. I expect him to be Colts champion," he added. Rock It's maternal uncle is Torres, who made waves not only in the National Capital but also in the Western India Turf during his prime time. Going by that mark, he should be able to conquer the extended trip. Ashwa Pushkar, who is by Diffident and Regius, warmed up late to occupy the third berth. The gelding is capable of even prove his merit over longer trips. Rawsom, who enabled Rajinder to open his account on the cloudy day, once again showed his notorious gate behaviour. However, the ace jockey not only managed to push him to front but also put in his experience in correcting his zigzag running despite travelling alone in front of the pack. He should complete an encore. His third victory was the proof of his skill on Roking Star. Like Rock It, the turf queen was showing distress signal in coping up with the hot pace of the champion sprinter Subh Shubh over the mile. But Rajinder never let her down and instead kept her pushing rigorously till the verdict fell in her lap by a short head in the Real Sleek Plate earmarked for the top-class runners. The filly, who was expected to lift the 2000 Guineas last week, should take this trip as the preparatory run either for the second blue riband (if it is rescheduled) or the Derby to be held next month. Shubh Shubh could have won if Irfan Ali had kept him pushing instead of whipping. Buddy Brothers ran on to come remarkable third. A Mumbai invader Yoyurethetouch showed a clean pair of heels in a start-to-finish attempt in the day's opener - the upper division of the Real Oman Plate. The six year-old horse should complete an encore on promotion. Sex Bomb, who attracted some demand in the market, turned around after the jump and stood in front of Zuetina by blocking her way and did not raise a gallop. The latter ran detached from the field. Closeau, who is from Bangalore, ran on to be an impressive second, while Charge Away and Forest Music got into action late to finish third and fourth respectively. The lower division witnessed a three-way finish in which Jewel Star managed to tame Black Partridge and fast-finishing Kohinoor Beauty. The runner-up and third place holder may earn laurel. Daggers Point caused an upset in the Real Stunner Plate (Div.II). Successful Dream, who ran behind the winner, should make amends. The concluding event, Martini Plate, had Asma scoring at nourishing odds. Big Red, who played second fiddle to the owner and stablemate, has the speed and is expected to strike soon. Talent Craft ran on to fair third. The other horses who caught the attention in the field were Ashwa Pragya, Brustic Brave and Spicy Move. |
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